Katie Taylor labelled 'greatest female fighter that's ever lived' after controversial win
The 38-year-old defeated the Puerto Rican in another classic encounter two and a half years on from the first between them at Madison Square Garden
Katie Taylor cemented her place as "the greatest female fighter that's ever lived" with her second victory over Amanda Serrano, Eddie Hearn believes.
The 38-year-old defeated the Puerto Rican in another classic encounter two and a half years on from the first between them at Madison Square Garden, but it wasn't without controversy - or streaming issues for those watching from home.
Serrano suffered a bad cut to her right eye in the fourth round that hampered her vision following a clash of heads at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
READ MORE: Katie Taylor hits back at Amanda Serrano and her coach over headbutt claim
READ MORE: Chantelle Cameron reacts to Katie Taylor's win over Amanda Serrano
After the bout, the Puerto Rican, her coach and promoters accused the 2012 Olympic gold medallist, who successfully defended her super-lightweight world titles and undisputed status with the victory, of deliberately headbutting her.
Boos rang around the arena as the crowd, most of whom appeared to be supporting Serrano, felt she should have had her raised in victory, but promoter Hearn hailed his fighter.
"I think we saw and witnessed again one of the greatest female fights of all time," stated the Matchroom Boxing boss.
"The first one at Madison Square Garden was incredible, the second one in front of 70,000 was just testament to two incredible fighters, two legends of the sport.
"I'm so pleased and proud that Katie Taylor edged out a very tight decision in another fight of the year contender."
"For me, she's the greatest women's boxer of all time," added Hearn.
"When boxing was banned in Ireland and girls weren't allowed to box she put her ponytail under her headguard to pretend she was a boy.
"She was K Taylor in the amateur scene. She's the one that convinced the IOC to allow Olympic boxing for females, she's the one that won five world amateur championships, six European amateur titles, Olympic gold, undisputed lightweight world champion, undisputed super lightweight world champion, sold out Madison Square Garden, sold out two arenas in Ireland, boxed at the Millennium Stadium in front of 80,000, Wembley in front of 90,000, boxed here tonight on Netflix.
"For me, I'm biased, and she's so humble but it goes beyond the achievements, it goes down to the legacy, what she's doing, the way she's driving participation and grassroots boxing for girls walking into amateur boxing clubs because I see it with my own eyes. I see it with my daughters, driven and inspired by Katie Taylor.
"For me it's no competition, she's the greatest female fighter that's ever lived."
Taylor, fighting in the co-main event on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson card, was without the big Irish support she had for the first Serrano bout in New York, with very few Irish fans among the 72,000 spectators in attendance.
But the WBA, WBO, WBC, IBF, IBO and Ring Magazine super-lightweight world champion thanked all those who have supported her throughout her career as she looked forward to returning home to Ireland for Christmas.
"I'm just super grateful for the support from the Irish people from back as an amateur boxer to now," she said.
"Every time I step into the ring I try and represent my country so well. My family are all here with me as they always are. They never ever miss a fight so I'm just so proud to be an Irishwoman to be representing such a great nation.
"To be going home again for Christmas with all the belts and still undisputed champion is very, very sweet."
Meanwhile, the event had the biggest boxing gate outside of Las Vegas in US history as it surpassed $17.8 million, nearly double the previous Texas gate record for combat sports in both boxing and MMA, obliterating Canelo's record of $9 million.
Taylor reportedly made €5.8million off the fight, while it is believed Serrano may have pocketed as much as €7.7million.
"Breaking records like this is exactly what MVP was built to do—bring the biggest, most electrifying events to fans worldwide," said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions.
"Jake Paul, Amanda Serrano and MVP are redefining what’s possible in combat sports, and we're thrilled to partner with Netflix to make history at AT&T Stadium. This is just the beginning for MVP as we continue to raise the bar in delivering unforgettable moments in the ring.
"Congratulations to Jake Paul, Mike Tyson, Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano and the rest of this amazing card. Every athlete deserves recognition for this historic night."
It was the first ever boxing event streamed on Netflix and the viewing figures are set to shatter records when they are released on Tuesday.
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